After an ambitious offseason filled with blockbuster moves, the New York Yankees are far from finished. With Jazz Chisholm set to return to second base, the team now faces a critical need at third base. Insiders suggest that General Manager Brian Cashman is actively exploring trade options to solidify the infield ahead of spring training.
Jazz Chisholm’s position shift: A natural fit.
The Yankees have confirmed plans to shift Jazz Chisholm back to his natural position at second base, optimizing his elite defensive range and athleticism. Chisholm, who was acquired midseason in 2024, spent much of the latter half of the year at third base, where his defensive performance was inconsistent. Over 400.1 innings at the hot corner, Chisholm recorded -2 defensive runs saved and committed seven errors, signaling a need for change.
At second base, however, Chisholm has proven to be a defensive asset. Over 1330.1 career innings at the position, he has logged seven defensive runs saved and eight outs above average. This transition not only strengthens the Yankees’ infield defense but also allows Chisholm to maximize his impact as a dynamic two-way player. In 2024, he slashed .256/.324/.436 with 19 home runs and 28 stolen bases, making him a vital cog in the Yankees’ lineup.
Third base: A glaring hole in the Yankees’ roster.
While Chisholm’s move solidifies second base, it leaves a significant vacancy at third. The Yankees’ internal options, including DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera, lack the consistency and upside needed for a team with championship ambitions. According to YES Network analyst Jack Curry, the Yankees are actively “pondering other moves” to address this pressing need.
Alec Bohm of the Philadelphia Phillies has emerged as a potential trade target. The 27-year-old enjoyed a strong 2024 season, slashing .280/.342/.436 with 15 home runs and a 3.5 WAR. Defensively, Bohm is steady, posting zero defensive runs saved and four outs above average across 1,096 innings at third base. While not an elite defender, his balanced offensive skill set and years of team control until 2027 make him an attractive option for the Yankees. Acquiring Bohm, however, would likely require a significant trade package, given his importance to the Phillies’ roster.
Other trade options: Gavin Lux and Matt Vierling in the mix.
Another potential target is Gavin Lux of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Following the Dodgers’ recent signing of Korean second baseman Hyeseong Kim, Lux may find himself in a less defined role. Though primarily a second baseman, Lux’s familiarity with the infield and his left-handed bat could provide value to the Yankees. At 27 years old, Lux posted a .727 OPS in the seven-hole, making him a potential upgrade over Gleyber Torres, particularly on defense.
Additionally, Matt Vierling of the Detroit Tigers has surfaced as a possible trade candidate. Vierling delivered a respectable 2024 season, slashing .257/.312/.423 with 16 home runs and 108 wRC+ across 144 games. Though his defense at third base (-4 defensive runs saved) leaves room for improvement, his offensive versatility and ability to play multiple positions make him a utility option worth considering. However, Vierling would represent more of a depth piece than a transformative addition to the Yankees’ infield.
Could Nolan Arenado be a dream acquisition?
While trade rumors surrounding Nolan Arenado have quieted in recent weeks, the eight-time Gold Glove winner remains the gold standard for third basemen. Arenado’s elite defensive abilities and veteran presence would provide the Yankees with a cornerstone at third. However, acquiring Arenado would be a monumental task, requiring significant prospect capital and likely exceeding the Yankees’ current trade budget. His offensive regression in 2024 also raises questions about whether he would provide enough value to justify the cost.
Yankees’ aggressive offseason continues.
The Yankees have already made waves this offseason with major moves, including the acquisitions of Max Fried, Devin Williams, Cody Bellinger, and Paul Goldschmidt. Despite these blockbuster additions, insiders suggest General Manager Brian Cashman remains focused on further upgrading the roster. Addressing the gap at third base appears to be the final piece of the puzzle as the Yankees aim to field a championship-caliber team in 2025.
“I do think that they’re still pondering other moves,” said YES Network analyst Jack Curry on a recent episode of Yankees Hot Stove. “I’m sure they wouldn’t mind adding another infielder.” This sentiment underscores the Yankees’ relentless pursuit of improvement, even after an offseason many would already consider a success.
As spring training approaches, the Yankees’ front office faces critical decisions. Whether through a trade for a player like Alec Bohm, a calculated gamble on Gavin Lux, or an ambitious pursuit of Nolan Arenado, the team must address its third base dilemma. For now, fans can only wait and see how Cashman and his team maneuver in the weeks ahead, but one thing is clear: the Yankees are determined to leave no stone unturned in their quest for title number 28.
